University of Cincinnati (UC)

At the University of Cincinnati, professors emphasize "the importance of gaining professional experience while [still] in school" and students are often encouraged "out of [their] comfort zones to go to networking events." Students mention "experiential learning the university provides through internships and co-ops," and many call it a "catalyst in [personal] growth." Students point to cross-disciplinary and pre-professional training in the university's co-op program, which while generally considered to be "a great program," has been said by some to "need a little bit of tweaking." With the Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning School (DAAP), a highly-ranked program with "studios [that] allow crosscollaboration with peers," "students are always tackling projects from different perspectives...and [appreciating] different learning styles." Many DAAP students love that they "are on a first-name basis" with their professors, who are "very passionate about what they are teaching." But other DAAP students mention that the demands are "too stressinducing...and [that] the curriculum does not regard the well-being of the students." In contrast, students in other UC programs emphasize that their professors encourage them to "seek help at every turn, to lead healthy lives, and study in more effective ways." There is "plenty of opportunity for study outside of class including Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions, office hours, and tutoring."

The student body at the University of Cincinnati is "a fairly diverse community, with cultures from all across Ohio, the United States, and...the entire globe." "First-generation and minority students are well-represented and encouraged through programs such as Emerging Ethnic Engineers," says a student. Students describe themselves and each other as "motivated," "experienced," and "real-world-ready." "In addition to their academic prowess," students take on "numerous activities like intramural athletics, student government, [and] mental health initiatives." One Bearcat attributes the school's strengths to school spirit, saying, "[It] binds us." Another student says that everyone has "a different story and reason for being here, but all [share] a same liking of the institution."

We're so lucky to be right in the center of Cincinnati, says one student. And indeed, UC students "take full advantage of the restaurants, bars, museums, concerts, and local festivals in the city." This includes student tickets to Bengals and Reds games, free concerts, and farmers markets. Plus, "Oktoberfest is always popular," adds another Bearcat. Downtown Cincinnati also holds "many other interesting places to eat, drink, and socialize." Students de-stress on campus at the recreational facilities, which include an indoor track, a lazy river, and a hot tub, which one student stresses is "super nice." On the weekends, students go out to bars and restaurants near campus. They also "hang out in the student center, outdoors, or in the library between and after classes," and they often "attend the free sporting events or club meetings after." If you're hungry, head over to the Tangeman Center where you will find "many restaurants to choose from" or you can grab food at On the Green, the newest "super nice and...healthy" food court. Some find UC to be "fairly landlocked," with a "large number of students in a fairly small radius." They comment that this makes it "feel like a college city."